We searched far and wide, set our focus upon the exquisiteness that is Italy, and explored the country to find the most suitable place for our offerings, a Sanctuary to hold us as we delve deep into the arts and sciences of Yoga while enjoying an all inclusive, luxurious and culturally enriching journey. We found this Sanctuary in the Chianti region of Tuscany, the heart of the “Golden Triangle” between Senna, Arezzo and Florence. This magical place, overlooking the gentle slopes of the Arno valley, is a beautiful private estate with olive groves, grape vines and lavender fields. The totally restored 19th century villa was a country home to a wealthy Florentine family. There is a spacious studio specifically for Yoga, two swimming pools and an outdoor area for dining.

We have extensive experience hosting yoga retreats. We've thought of everything and we've got you covered. These two Yoga immersions have been mindfully created for us to share our passions with you; living in harmony with Nature, empowerment & education through adventure & culture, eating & creating delicious food, and practicing Yoga. We also lead several Yoga Teacher Trainings (200 hour foundational & 300 hour advanced) every year at our center in Costa Rica, The Sanctuary at Two Rivers. The YTT curriculum will be that of our well established 200 Hour Lakshmi Rising School for Yoga & Wellness, led by Founder and Program Director, Dr. Liz Lindh.Space is extremely limited for these amazing Yoga and cultural experiences. Join us for one or both and live the dolce vita!

Join us for this Yoga Alliance credentialed 200 hour Yoga Instructor Certification intensive in Italy! In addition to the extensive training & training manual, enjoy delicious vegetarian Tuscan cuisine (we are sorry but we can't accommodate gluten-free on this one, join us in Costa Rica for that), luxury accommodations in a restored villa, spring water directly from the source for drinking, swimming pools, optional organized group excursions to explore and experience the local culture and concierge assistance planning your travel.

The Excursions

As apart of our personal growth and wellness element of the training, we have some delightful cultural excursions planned for you. We will visit the outdoor market in Montevarchi, which has been happening every Thursday for the past 800 years. They have clothing, fruits, veggies, olives, cheese, fabric and more. Here you will have the option to make a side trip to the nearby Prada Factory Store.

We will also visit a boutique bio-dynamic vineyard and winery where the owners will host a special vegetarian lunch featuring a traditional Tuscan countryside menu paired with their unique and delicious wines. Roberto and Maria-Gracia are pioneers in the organic farming and SlowFood movements in Italy.

Another cultural excursion will be a daytrip to the ancient city of Siena, first settled by the Etruscans in 900BC. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums and medieval cityscape.

The other two unique experiences we have planned for you include an afternoon of truffle hunting in the woods of the Chianti region of Tuscany with adorable and clever dogs and their truffle expert humans. This will be followed with a delicious truffle inspired lunch paired with wine.

Our final outing is to Terme San Giovanni thermal spa where we will spend the day relaxing, bathing in warm mineral pools and enjoying authentic European spa treatments for health and wellbeing.

Join us September 28 - October 5, 2019 for Gaia Gourmet in Tuscany! We have crafted a delicious week with cooking classes, wine & cheese tasting, truffle hunting, sight seeing, shopping, daily Yoga and more! All of our culinary delights and adventures have been curated by Chef Naga and Dr Liz Lindh in alignment with our Gaia Gourmet philosophy. We have chosen foodie-focused excursions (everything is optional), and have also left some unstructured time for you to explore on your own or relax with some quiet time on this beautiful property (massage services available). This Yoga Retreat will be the best in the world!

Sample Schedule

Saturday September 281:00pm Meet in Florence for an opening lunch to enjoy a multi-course gourmet vegetarian tasting menu with wine paring. From there we will all ride together to the villa.8:00pm Light Gaia Gourmet Dinner

Sunday September 298:30-10am Morning Yoga10:00am Gaia Gourmet Breakfast BuffetHike (or shuttle) to Montegonzi for an al fresco, a la carte gourmet Tuscan lunch *extra charge for lunch and shuttleNo lunch will be served at the villa7:00 Cooking Class with Dinner & Wine

Monday September 308:30-10am Morning Yoga10:00am Gaia Gourmet Breakfast BuffetDay trip to Cortona for Cheese Making and multi-course gourmet vegetarian Tuscan lunch with wine pairing, Wine Lesson and Exploring *extra charge for this excursionNo lunch or dinner will be served at the villa

Wednesday October 28:30-10am Morning Yoga10:00am Gaia Gourmet Breakfast BuffetDay trip to Terme San Giovanni and an a la carte, multi-course gourmet Tuscan dinner *extra charge for this excursionNo lunch or dinner will be served at the villa

Thursday October 38:30-10am Morning Yoga10:00am Gaia Gourmet Breakfast BuffetExcursion to Montevarchi Outdoor Market and a traditional family-style vegetarian Tuscan lunch *extra charge for this excursionNo lunch will be served at the villa7:00 Cooking Class with Celebration Dinner & Wine